West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission Extends Deadline for Art Banner Submissions
West Chicago, Illinois: February 11, 2014 - The West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission is extending the deadline for submissions for the 2014 Community Art Banner Project to March 1, 2014. The Commission seeks accomplished and emerging artists to submit digital files of original art for consideration for the Project. All media are welcome, with no limitation to technique as long as it focuses on this year's theme The (Bi)Cycle of Life. Applications should be submitted online at http://www.westchicago.org/banner2014/form.html.
An independent juror not affiliated with the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission or City of West Chicago will select the winning designs, which will be reproduced on 30 x 60 inch banners to hang on street poles in downtown West Chicago through the summer. Artists selected will receive credit on both the banner and in printed material related to the exhibition. A reception honoring the selected artists will take place during the City's annual Blooming Fest, on May 17, 2014. Plus, the public will have an opportunity to show their appreciation of their favorite banner by selecting a People's Choice Award winner, which will be announced in September 2014.
About the Juror
Jurying the works of art this year will be Jim Kirkhoff, a board member and Director of Development at Water Street Studios in Batavia, Illinois, who happens to be an avid bike rider himself. He cycles throughout the year, even in the winter months, through proper layering and a set of steel studded tires.
His many contributions to the art community through Water Street Studios include initiating the community outreach/Art Flow program which provides free art education for children who come from underserved populations. With the help of funding from Boeing and the United Way, this program has provided over 100 scholarships since autumn 2010.
Kirkhoff, along with other regional arts leaders are organizing the Chicago Suburban Arts Conference to be held in St. Charles, Illinois on May 3, 2014. The goal of the conference is to bring together Chicago suburban arts organizations in order to foster a wider collaborative environment.
He has recently undertaken a 12-month project called One Woman, One Year, One Room at the Boathouse on the Fabyan Estate. This project documents the life challenges of the subject within the context of an established space that is subject to the natural surroundings. While this project will not show until 2015, those wishing to view some of his work may do so at http://jimkirkhoff.carbonmade.com.
"The West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission is delighted that an artist of Jim's caliber is willing to serve as a juror for the Community Banner Art Project", said Commission member Anni Holm. "We have extended our deadline for art until March 1st and hope that Jim's involvement will inspire many accomplished as well as aspiring artists to submit their work and be recognized in the 2014 public art display. It's a great opportunity."